Facebook continues to test ways to expand the use of commerce within the site.
According to a statement from the company, Facebook is testing a system that will allow application developers to accept credits as a form of payment within the site.
“We’re always testing new ways to add value for our users and developers, and we think enabling developers to accept these credits as a form of payment has the potential to create exciting new user experiences,” the e-mailed statement read.
Credits are the virtual currency developed by Facebook for use within the site. Users receive 10 credits for $1.
Facebook has been exploring ways for users to receive credits as well as to spend or donate them since introducing the payment method in November. Some of the strategies it has been exploring include testing variable pricing in the gift shop, allowing users to donate their credits to charities and enabling advertisers to give credits to users along with virtual gifts.
Facebook recently posted Payments Terms to better explain how financial transactions take place on the Web site. Currently, payments are available for all users in two ways on the site. One is through the Facebook Gift Shop, where users can purchase credits to buy virtual gifts to send to friends. The second is to purchase advertising through the online Facebook Ads system.
The application test is with a small group of developers.
